Things to Do in New Orleans: Best Attractions and Places to Visit

The state of Louisiana, in the deep south of the United States, is home to one of America’s most unique and fascinating cities, New Orleans, a tourist destination particularly famous for its quaint French Quarter and jazz. However, there are many other things to visit in the city. Here’s a list to get your bearings on what to do in New Orleans.

1. The French Quarter

The French Quarter is the oldest part of the city and one of its symbols is definitely Bourbon Street, a historic street full of bars and strip clubs. The street is very characteristic, but do not limit your visit to this street alone: going further afield, in fact, you will find stores, lots of live music, places to eat (the ones based on Cajun and Creole cuisine are excellent), galleries and hotels. The French Quarter is in fact a very lively area, where you can admire the typical buildings with wooden shutters, balconies decorated in wrought iron, and very elegant courtyards.

French Quarter Tours and Activities

2. The cemeteries of New Orleans

Above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans have always been visited by many tourists. Called the “cities of the dead,” they are particularly impressive for their beautiful tree-lined streets and interesting architecture. The oldest and most easily accessible is the St. Louis Cemetery.

New Orleans Cemeteries Tours

3. City Park in New Orleans

City Park is a 1,300-acre park located right in the heart of the city. A natural bayou flows through it and at its edge. With a vintage carousel and miniature trains, it’s a great place to take the kids. City Park also includes the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the Botanical Garden, and one of the largest living oak still standing in the world. In short, an attraction to consider for those looking to visit New Orleans.

4. Audubon Parks Institute and surrounding attractions

The Audubon Institute operates several world-class destinations for New Orleans families, including Audubon Park and the Zoo, and is located in Uptown, accessible from the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. With its lagoons, living oaks, and world-class golf course, it stands as a true oasis in the midst of a densely populated area of the city. The Audubon Insectarium and Canal Street are right in the suburbs, near the aforementioned French Quarter and the Aquarium of the Americas, located at the foot of the Mississippi River.

Audubon Park Tours and Activities

5. Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is the biggest free party in America. It is the traditional celebration for Mardi Gras, but in New Orleans it lasts almost a month, with endless parades and processions full of color and original and extravagant masks.

Any good party-goer will tell you that this is an event that everyone should attend at least once in their lifetime. If you have only seen it on television and think that you know about it for this reason, you are wrong. As often happens, witnessing an event in person is very different from observing it from a distance in a detached way and that is why we have published a guide dedicated to the subject: the Carnival of New Orleans.

6. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Now that you’ve been to Mardi Gras, while you’re at it, why not also check out the New Orleans Jazz Fest, the other big event that celebrates the city’s musical and cultural roots? The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (that’s the full name) takes place the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May and attracts artists and visitors from all over the world.

In short, if you don’t want to miss the whole string of big events in New Orleans, February-April might be the right time to visit this city. If you are in town at another time, a good place to listen to jazz is the Snug Harbor Bistro, where they play almost every night.

7. The Garden District

Strolling through the Garden District with its beautiful buildings and magnolia trees is a great way to spend a spring day. Built by Anglo-Americans who moved to New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase, this district is only 10 minutes from the French Quarter, yet they really feel like two worlds apart.

8. The Warehouse / Arts District

The Warehouse / Arts District is also located within walking distance of the French Quarter and is the perfect place for art lovers. It is home to many galleries and museums, as well as many trendy restaurants. The largest number of galleries can be found on Julia Street (300 to 700).

9. Magazine Street

Magazine Street is located in Uptown and is ideal for those who love to shop. It stretches along 3.5 miles of street, reviewing all its merchandise. Here you will find famous clothing boutiques, furniture, affordable antiques, and of course, restaurants. Such an interesting and pleasant area even beyond shopping.

10. Where to eat in New Orleans

See, explore and visit, but then we need to eat! Leave your diet at home. Here you are in New Orleans, where Creole and Cajun cuisine are all the rage. It’s a unique blend, bringing together European (especially French) and African influences with Native American traditions. The subject is a big one and will soon be addressed in a dedicated post. I will just mention two places where you can fully enjoy this type of cuisine: Jacques Imos Café (8234 Oak Street) and Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas Street).

11. The Audubon Zoo

Among the things to see in New Orleans, let’s not forget the space dedicated to children. Take note and stop by the Audubon Zoo, a world-class facility that, as mentioned above, can be found in Audubon Park. Among other things, it is easily accessible by streetcar, bus, or boat.

The Zoo also houses the Louisiana Swamp, a very popular attraction with locals, who flock there to see the alligators up close. If you’re curious, you can also see the Loup Garou, a legendary swamp figure, a sort of horrifying werewolf from Cajun lore.

12. The Cool Water Park Zoo

Cool Water Park Zoo is an animal-themed water park, another great family attraction to enjoy with your kids. Located in the Audubon Zoo, the Cool Zoo has three main areas. There are several water slides and one is shaped like a large alligator. There’s also a giant spider monkey that dumps water, not to mention water-spitting snakes and more. Do you have wild children? Don’t worry, there are shaded benches for mom and dad.

13. Louisiana Children’s Museum

Among the sights to see in New Orleans, you certainly can’t overlook attractions for the little ones. The Louisiana Children’s Museum is located in the arts district on Julia Street. Here, little ones can play shop in a custom-made grocery store or serve lunch in the cafeteria. Those a little older can pilot a life-size tugboat on the Mighty Mississippi and see New Orleans from a very special vantage point.

14. Hike through swamps and plantations

New Orleans is not only the most fascinating city in the Deep South of the States, but also one of the best bases to visit the typical Louisiana landscapes, characterized by salt marshes and vintage plantations. There is a tour that allows you to explore the Cajun Country and fully enjoy these evocative attractions. Find all the information by clicking on the button below:

Tour Info

15. Go City New Orleans Pass: how to see everything while spending less

Given the many attractions, tours, and activities available in the city, it is advisable to purchase the Go City New Orleans Pass, which gives you access to the main places of interest at a discounted price. The pass also allows you to skip lines at various entrances and also take advantage of discounts at well-known restaurants in the city.

Go City New Orleans Pass Info

16. Where to Stay in New Orleans

Here’s a question not to be taken lightly: where should you choose your accommodation when visiting New Orleans? To get an idea of the prices and availability of accommodations, you can take a look at this list of hotels in the city, or read our in-depth guide on where to stay in New Orleans, a guide we created to help you choose the best and most suitable area for your needs.